Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump Love Affair With Putin Burns On As Tulsi Is Confirmed"

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Hosts: Sam Stein (Managing Editor at The Bulwark) and Bill Kristol

1. Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Bill Kristol delve into significant developments in U.S. foreign policy, particularly focusing on the recent Senate confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and former President Donald Trump's latest interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While an initial light-hearted mention of Kendrick Lamar's halftime show is briefly touched upon, the conversation swiftly moves to more pressing geopolitical issues.

2. Senate Confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard

Key Points:

• Tulsi Gabbard's Confirmation: On Wednesday, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as the Director of National Intelligence with a vote tally of 52-48. Notably, only one Republican, Mitch McConnell, voted against her confirmation.

Notable Quote:

"Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as DNI. Only one Republican voted no. That would be Mitch McConnell." (00:00)

Analysis: Bill Kristol expresses concern over Gabbard's appointment, implying skepticism about her qualifications and alignment with current intelligence community standards. He remarks on the swiftness and political motivations behind her confirmation, suggesting it marks a shift towards a more MAGA-aligned foreign policy stance.

"It's just bad in my opinion, for the intelligence community, the efforts of the United States that she will be director of national intelligence." (10:11)

3. Trump's Statement on Putin and Ukraine Peace Agreement

Key Points:

• Trump's Communication with Putin: Donald Trump released a statement via his Truth Social account announcing discussions with Vladimir Putin covering topics like Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and artificial intelligence (AI).

• Agreements Highlighted:

  • Mutual visits to each other’s countries.
  • Collaboration on a peace agreement regarding Ukraine, involving figures such as Marco Rubio, John Ratcliffe (National Security Advisor), Mike Waltz, and Steve Witkoff.

Notable Quotes:

"He spoke with Vladimir Putin. They discussed Russia, discuss Ukraine, Middle east, AI." (00:00)

"They agreed to each visit each other's country... they are going to start working together on a peace agreement vis a vis Ukraine." (00:00)

Analysis: Kristol views this development as a troubling sign of potential U.S. abandonment of Ukraine. He emphasizes Trump's historical stance against supporting Ukraine and expresses concern that this could signal a retreat from previously committed support, potentially undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and security.

"It's for me a very worrisome development as a strong supporter of Ukraine because almost three years ago Putin began his all out invasion of Ukraine. And I really worry that today we're seeing the beginning of the all out abandonment of Ukraine." (01:50)

4. Concerns Over U.S. Support for Ukraine

Key Points:

• Shift in U.S. Policy: The absence of mentions regarding tightening sanctions against Russia in Trump's statement raises alarms about decreased U.S. leverage against Putin.

• Negotiation Dynamics: The inclusion of Steve Witkoff, a real estate figure rather than a seasoned negotiator, in the peace talks is viewed as undermining the legitimacy and seriousness of the negotiations.

Notable Quotes:

"There's credulous repeating of Putin's rhetoric. And I think the point you made is very important." (02:41)

"If there is a deal, there's going to have to be some guarantee of Ukrainian sovereignty and some guarantee that we might help them." (06:38)

Analysis: The hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness and sincerity of the proposed negotiations. They highlight the potential for the U.S. to make significant territorial and resource concessions to facilitate peace, which could leave Ukraine vulnerable in the long term.

"What's the incentive for them to sign off?" (06:56)

"I come back again, though, this fits in with Hexath sort of sliding aside of Zelensky's concerns." (08:16)

5. Pete Hegseth's Speech and Implications for NATO

Key Points:

• Hegseth's Stance on Ukraine and NATO: Pete Hegseth, a prominent defense figure, delivered a speech ruling out Ukraine joining NATO. He emphasized that Ukraine's long-term security would depend on European support rather than NATO expansion.

Notable Quotes:

"Long term Ukrainian security will have to depend on the Europeans." (05:36)

"Not a chance in hell that they could ever get a job like this except from Donald Trump." (12:58)

Analysis: This position undermines NATO's previous assurances to Ukraine and diminishes the strategic deterrence against Russian aggression. Bill Kristol criticizes Hegseth for abandoning leverage that could have been used to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and security within NATO's framework.

"I think you're absolutely right... it's an ominous day for Ukraine." (06:38)

6. Potential Negotiations Involving Ukraine's Resources

Key Points:

• Resource Leveraging: Discussions hint at Ukraine potentially selling rare minerals and other energy resources to the U.S. in exchange for military aid, possibly under long-term leases.

Notable Quotes:

"We are talking sort of dual track here... In exchange for aid." (04:54)

"Ukraine's unjustly attacked. You talk to Putin without letting Zelensky know." (08:56)

Analysis: Such negotiations could commoditize Ukraine's natural resources, placing economic interests above national sovereignty and long-term stability. The lack of transparency and exclusion of Ukrainian leadership from these talks raises ethical and strategic concerns.

"I have to express skepticism about the motivations and potential outcomes of these negotiations." (05:36)

7. Conclusion: Shift Towards MAGA-Aligned Foreign Policy and Implications for Ukraine

Key Points:

• MAGA Influence: The confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard and the involvement of MAGA-aligned figures like Steve Witkoff signal a pivot towards a more nationalist and unilateral U.S. foreign policy.

• Ukraine's Future: The combination of potential negotiations that may disadvantage Ukraine and the sidelining of NATO support jeopardizes Ukraine's ability to maintain its sovereignty and resist Russian aggression effectively.

Notable Quotes:

"It's just bad in my opinion, for the intelligence community, the efforts of the United States that she will be director of national intelligence." (10:11)

"Hegseth... makes you think for now at least, it's MAGA now." (12:54)

Final Thoughts: Sam Stein and Bill Kristol portray a bleak outlook for Ukraine, emphasizing that the current trajectory of U.S. foreign policy under MAGA influence prioritizes political maneuvering over strategic alliances and long-term global stability. The episode underscores pressing concerns about the erosion of traditional American support for Ukraine and the potential ramifications of this shift on international relations.

Notable Timestamps and Quotes

• 00:00 – Introduction of topics: Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation and Trump's statement on Putin.
• 01:34 – Bill Kristol's initial reaction and skepticism regarding the developments.
• 04:23 – Discussion on potential negotiations involving Ukraine's natural resources.
• 05:36 – Analysis of the implications of Pete Hegseth's speech on NATO.
• 10:11 – Concerns over Tulsi Gabbard's role and her impact on intelligence efforts.
• 12:58 – Final thoughts on the dominance of MAGA-aligned figures in foreign policy.

Note: This summary distills the key points from the transcript, providing an organized and comprehensive overview of the episode's content. For in-depth analysis and full context, listening to the complete Bulwark Takes episode is recommended.